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Our Staff

Our success comes from our entire staffs passion, expertise, dedication, committment to lifelong learning, and willingness to challenge one another.

Providers

Tim P. Thorsen - PT, OCS, MTC (Click to expand)

• Graduated UW-LaCrosse 1989 in Physical Therapy
• Certified Manual Therapist-University St. Augustine, FL
• Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist (OCS) by the Certification Board (ABPTS) of the American Physical Therapy Association
• Founder Spine & Sport 1994
• Credentialed Clinical Instructor by American Physical Therapy Association
• Spine & Sport Mentor for UWHC/Meriter Affiliated Orthopedic Residency Program
• Spine & Sport Clinical Coordinator for Clinical Education
• Chair Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association Public Relations
• Active Private Practice Section and American Physical Therapy Association
Click here to request curriculum vitae.

Kurt Klemm - PT, Cert. MDT, CEAS (Click to expand)

•An orthopedic physical therapist with over 27 years of experience including sports medicine and all areas of outpatient orthopedic therapy, Kurt has been a Spine and Sport partner for the last 10 years.
• Kurt is certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy of the Spine through the McKenzie Institute.
• In addition he is a Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist through the Back School of Atlanta.
• Kurt has lectured to numerous groups on back protection and ergonomics including the National Forest Service and Wisconsin Public Service as well as dental professional groups.
• In July 2008 Mr. Klemm lectured at The University of Connecticut Dental Symposium on Ergonomics on the role of anterior support in alleviating pain and paresthias of the neck and back.
• In October 2008 he spoke on the same topic at NYU Dental College.
• Mr. Klemm has in-depth expertise in the area of trigger point treatment and the vast array of pain and paresthias that develop.
• Mr. Klemm researched, designed and developed the AnterioRest, (www.anteriorestdental.com) a device that eliminates pain and fatigue thru support of the individual in their desired working position in many professions/occupations, alleviating muscle pain and fatigue.
• The AnterioRest has been recognized as an effective support for the relief of pain and dysfunction in dentistry and other professions and its application to industrial uses continues to expand.

Whitney Lochowitz, PT, DPT (Click to expand)

• Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Mayo School of Health Sciences in 2011
• Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 2007
• Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency through Evidence in Motion in 2011-2012
• Whitney has special interests in manual therapy and sports medicine.
• She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Whitney is a Wisconsin native, spending many summers fishing and golfing with her family in the Northwoods. Her interests include running, hiking, the Packers, reading, spending time with family and friends, and anything outdoors.

Gary Schindler - PT, OCS, ATC (Click to expand)

• Gary received his Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training from University of North Dakota and his Masters in Physical Therapy from University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse.
• He is certified as an Athletic Trainer (ATC) and he has been a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) by the NSCA.
• In 2008 he was recognized by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists (ABPTS) as an Orthopedic Specialist (OCS).
• Gary specializes in prevention and rehabilitation of Sports injuries (with running and shoulder interest areas), but he enjoys working with patients and clients of all ages in any walk of life.
• He also coordinates the STEP (Strength Training Enhancement Program) with local athletes to increase speed, agility, quickness and vertical potential in all sports.
• Personally he is a devout father of six and he enjoys fishing, jogging, playing cards, and cheering on the Vikings and Fighting Sioux (UND).

Neil Wahlstrom - PT, MBA (Click to expand)

• Neil received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin in 1997.
• He completed his MBA through Concordia University Wisconsin in 2004.
• Previously, he was the director of a multi-specialty rehabilitation practice before joining Spine & Sport in 2009.
• In 2011 he was recognized by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists (ABPTS) as an Orthopedic Specialist (OCS).
• Throughout his clinical career Neil has been focused on orthopedic rehab with special interests in the injured athlete/sports medicine and patients with active lifestyles.
• He is a member of the Wisconsin and American Physical Therapy Association (WPTA/APTA), and was credentialed by the NSCA as strength and conditioning specialist.
• In his spare time, Neil enjoys any activity with his wife and two sons from water skiing to cutting fire wood.

John Rugotzke - PT, DPT (Click to expand)

• John completed his physical therapy education at Mayo Clinic, receiving a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2008.
• Prior to this, he received a B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota in 2004, and became an ocular procurement specialist during that time.
• A Wisconsin native, John started his career in the Madison area before moving to Rhinelander in 2009.
• John is a graduate of the Spine & Sport/UW-Health Meriter Hospital Orthopaedic Residency program.
• In 2011 he was recognized by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists (ABPTS) as an Orthopedic Specialist (OCS).
• He has special interests in manual therapy, and sports rehabilitation.
• He is a member of the Wisconsin and American Physical Therapy Associations, including the Sports Section, as well as the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
• John's personal interests include hunting, ice fishing, and spending time enjoying the outdoors with his family.

Amber Scholten - PTA, ACSM-CPT (Click to expand)

• Amber joined the spine and sport team in 2005.
• Her physical therapist assistant degree is from Western Wisconsin Technical College.
• She is also Certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Personal Trainer.
• Amber has an in depth background in Orthopedics and Trigger Point Release, and she has enjoyed working with local sports teams in prevention and sports performance, coaching basketball and drama, and connecting with patients in the Northwoods.
• Amber enjoys visiting the shores of Lake Superior and camping with her husband and their dog.

Sue Shumake - PTA (Click to expand)

• Graduate Western Wisconsin Technical College (PTA) 1993
• PTA in the State of Florida 1993-2005.
• Acute and injured workers return to work programs
• Manual therapy assistant specialist
• Clear and concise documentation for primary therapists and their colleagues
• Baral Institute-Visceral Manipulation and specialty American Back School education (Cervical and Lumbar)
• Interest in shoulder and tissue/scar adhesions
• Husband and their Britney's are special interest/hobbies outside of work

Front Office: Tomahawk

Marina Olson - Patient Services (Click to expand)

Marina joined the Spine & Sport team-Tomahawk clinic in September, 2007. She is originally from Tomahawk returning after nearly 20 years traveling in the United States, England and the Dominican Republic with the United States Armed Forces. Marina is a team player and takes great pride in creating a friendly, professional atmosphere at Spine & Sport. The diverse global experiences she gained traveling give her great perspective, skill, and appreciation for folks right here at home. She is a group fitness instructor and actively demonstrates our motto by being personally committed to total fitness and health. In her spare time she enjoys the outdoors, horseback riding, kayaking, and spending time with her family.

Terri Cantrall - Patient Services (Click to expand)

Terri has been a valued member of the Spine & Sport team working at the Tomahawk location since January of 2007. She is originally from Tomahawk and returned to the area after earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from UW Stevens Point. As a dedicated mother, she spent 15 years at home raising two daughters before returning to the work force outside the home. Terri enjoys being a part of the caring and helpful atmosphere at Spine & Sport. She uses her skills in positive and meaningful ways to provide administrative assistance and help in meeting the needs of the patients we serve. In her spare time Terri likes the outdoors, camping, reading, and spending time with her husband, daughters and assorted animals on their hobby farm.

Front Office: Rhinelander

Lisa Thorsen - Office Coordinator (Click to expand)

Lisa has been behind the scenes of the business since inception with her Associate Degrees in Business and Accounting. She has experience with the Department of Revenue in WI, health care legal cases in Atlanta and prior to the founding of Spine & Sport she did intake work for Oneida County. She initiated and continues to coordinate the "business side" and background business of Spine & Sport. She oversees the day to day of the businesses while staying connected and integral in the lives of their four children and grandchild.

Kathy Maule - Insurance Specialist (Click to expand)

Kathy has been associated with billing and insurance for many years, and she assists with all aspects of behind the scenes business while specializing in insurance processing and claims. She has been with Spine & Sport since 2004.

Front Office: Eagle River

Terri Wick - Patient Services (Click to expand)

 

Dorothy Muench - Insurance Specialist (Click to expand)

Dorothy has been with Spine & Sport since 2006 as a welcomed addition with her background in health care, billing, collection, and handling of claims with third party payers. She has four wonderful grandchildren, and she enjoys snowmobiling, kayaking, Packer games, and staring at the lake in total relaxation.

Jeanne Thalman - Patient Services (Click to expand)

Jeanne works hard at both the Rhinelander and Eagle River Locations.

Kris Maney - Patient Services (Click to expand)

Kris has been with us in Eagle River since 2007. She currently resides in Crandon and her outside interests include snowshoeing and Packer games.

History & Philosophy

History / Practice:(Click to expand)

Spine & Sport was founded in 1994 in Rhinelander, WI to establish autonomy in PT practice and bring PT services directly to consumers via easy access for patients to a friendly healing environment. It has evolved to an associate practice with three current sites (adding Tomahawk in 2000 and Eagle River in 2003) and potential for associates to establish partner tracts with equity ownership.

All partners are certified through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists (ABPTS) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and/or through another manual therapy approach- University of St. Augustine-Paris, McKenzie Institute, Ola Grimsby, Geoffrey Maitland (MAPS), MI State, NAIOMT, IMTS etc…, All Physical Therapists are encouraged to pursue Specialty Certification through the ABPTS of the APTA.

Spine & Sport is affiliated with multiple programs for PT and PTA internships, and their group actively volunteers within the Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association (WPTA) Chapter of the APTA, and sections of the APTA. A thirteen month affiliated Residency in Orthopedics has been established with UW-Madison/Meriter Hospitals and Clinics which applicants apply annually before January of the June in which they wish to be accepted. Spine & Sport exemplifies “Vision 2020” today.

To be the community’s preferred provider of services to relieve pain, optimize function and promote health.

To ensure value by positively impacting the consumer through easy access, skilled diagnosis, and quality treatment.

Position Statement: (Click to expand)

Committed to YOUR total fitness and health.

Employment Opportunities: (Click to expand)


Physical Therapists

Office Staff

586 Shepard Street, Rhinelander, WI 54501 | (715) 365-5252 | info@spinesport.com